Latest Projects

Project Portfolio

Below is an overview of ESS LLC’s projects, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable solutions through impactful environmental initiatives.

1. CirculaMare Baseline Assessment Study

• Client: Alliance to End Plastic Waste, GIZ

• Location: Kosovo (Ibar and White Drin River Basins)

• Project Value: EUR 

• Duration: September 2021 - March 2022

Objective: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of plastic waste flow and existing management practices across key river basins in Kosovo, specifically in the Ibar and White Drin River Basins. This project aims to reduce plastic leakage into the environment by developing strategic recommendations for integrated plastic waste management, strengthening local capacities, and promoting innovations within the plastic waste value chain.

Key Activities:

• Conducted assessments of plastic waste across 11 municipalities.

• Created a strategic plan for integrated plastic waste management, including infrastructure and policy recommendations.

• Established a digital system for plastic waste tracking and hotspot identification.

Impact: Improved plastic waste management infrastructure and reduced plastic leakage, supporting intermunicipal cooperation.

2. Municipal Waste Fraction Analysis

• Client: GIZ (Sustainable Municipal Services Project)

• Location: Kosovo

• Project Value: EUR

• Duration: February 2021 - April 2022

Objective: Establish a standardized, scientifically-based methodology for analyzing municipal waste fractions across Kosovo. This project aims to enhance the ability of municipal and central authorities to accurately assess waste composition and leverage this data to inform waste management strategies, optimize resource allocation, and track progress in waste minimization and recycling.

Key Activities:

• Developed a waste analysis methodology and provided stakeholder training.

• Conducted waste fraction analysis across six municipalities.

• Integrated findings into KEPA’s national reporting system.

Impact: Enhanced waste management data accuracy and improved local and national policy planning.

3. Centralized Waste Fee Collection Model

• Client: GIZ (Sustainable Municipal Services Project)

• Location: Kosovo

• Project Value: EUR 

• Duration: May 2021 - February 2022

Objective: Design and implement a centralized fee collection system for municipal waste management services, aimed at providing sustainable financial support for municipal waste operations. This project seeks to increase efficiency in revenue collection, ensure transparency, and strengthen the financial autonomy of municipalities in managing waste services effectively.

Key Activities:

• Assessed legal frameworks for waste fee collection.

• Created a collection model, software guidelines, and training programs.

Impact: Streamlined waste fee collection, increasing municipal revenue for waste services.

4. Illegal Landfill Elimination in Kosovo

• Client: GIZ

• Location: Kosovo

• Project Value: EUR 

• Duration: September 2020 - September 2021

Objective: Develop a sustainable model for identifying, categorizing, and permanently eliminating illegal landfills in Kosovo. This project’s goal is to support municipalities in prioritizing illegal landfill sites for removal, establish standards for sustainable landfill management, and provide guidelines for post-removal site aftercare to prevent environmental degradation.

Key Activities:

• Created guidelines and strategies for landfill removal and aftercare.

• Conducted training for local authorities on sustainable landfill practices.

Impact: Reduced environmental hazards and improved waste management standards.

5. Operational Plan Development for Mitrovica, Vushtrri, and Skenderaj

• Client: GIZ, co-financed by the EU

• Location: Kosovo

• Project Value: EUR

• Duration: August 2023 - October 2023

Objective: Create an operational framework that enables Public Waste Collection Companies (PWCCs) in Mitrovica, Vushtrri, and Skenderaj to optimize waste management practices. This project emphasizes extending waste management services across all municipalities, integrating separate waste collection, and developing sustainable waste collection and disposal systems that align with local and national environmental regulations.

Key Activities:

• Developed an operational plan for unified waste collection and SAS (Separate Collection at Source) systems.

• Engaged communities in waste management awareness initiatives.

Impact: Improved municipal waste infrastructure and encouraged community participation in sustainable practices.

6. Institutional Reforms for Waste Management in Decan Municipality

• Client: Municipality of Decan, Green Art Center

• Location: Kosovo

• Project Value: EUR 

• Duration: 2019 - 2020

Objective: Support institutional reforms in Decan Municipality to strengthen local waste management capacities and extend waste collection coverage. The project aims to enhance the municipality’s ability to implement sustainable waste management policies that align with Kosovo’s National Plan for Waste Management, providing long-term benefits for both environmental quality and community health.

Key Activities:

• Established an institutional framework and action plan for waste management.

• Built local capacity for sustainable waste services.

Impact: Strengthened waste management practices in alignment with national strategies.

7. Rehabilitation Plan for Gjakova Transfer Station

• Client: Municipality of Gjakova, Cabrati RWC

• Location: Kosovo

• Project Value: EUR

• Duration: May 2020 - July 2021

Objective: Develop a plan for rehabilitating the Gjakova transfer station, focusing on environmental remediation, waste processing efficiency, and long-term operational sustainability. This project aims to transform the transfer station into a compliant, high-functioning facility that meets the goals of the Integrated Municipal Waste Management Plan and contributes to waste minimization efforts.Key Activities:

• Conducted environmental assessments and feasibility studies.

• Recommended waste minimization and composting practices.

Impact: Facilitated transfer station rehabilitation to improve waste management efficiency.

8. Waste Separation and Differentiated Collection in Vushtria

• Client: Municipality of Vushtri

• Location: Kosovo

• Project Value: EUR 

• Duration: May 2020 - July 2021

Objective: Facilitate the expansion of waste separation and differentiated collection systems across urban and suburban areas of Vushtria Municipality. The project aims to encourage recycling, reduce landfill dependence, and foster a circular economy approach within the local community through education, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure development.

Key Activities:

• Developed a waste separation and recycling framework.

• Conducted community engagement and stakeholder dialogues.

Impact: Enhanced recycling and waste separation, promoting sustainable waste management practices.

9. Feasibility Study for Mitrovica Landfill

• Client: Municipality of Mitrovica, Public University of Mitrovica

• Location: Kosovo

• Project Value: EUR

• Duration: October 2019 - December 2019

Objective: Conduct a feasibility study to evaluate the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of continued landfill operations in Mitrovica. This project aims to provide decision-makers with comprehensive insights into potential landfill management improvements, regulatory compliance, and sustainable waste treatment solutions.

Key Activities:

• Evaluated landfill conditions, environmental impacts, and economic feasibility.

• Provided regulatory and operational recommendations.

Impact: Enabled Mitrovica to make informed decisions for sustainable landfill management.

10. Integrated Waste Management Plans for Decan, Gjakova, Rahovec, and Suhareka

• Client: Municipalities of Decan, Gjakova, Rahovec, Suhareka

• Location: Kosovo

• Project Value: EUR

• Duration: December 2019 - December 2020

Objective: Develop and implement integrated solid waste management plans for four municipalities, with a focus on optimizing waste collection, transportation, and processing. The project’s goal is to provide these municipalities with tailored strategies that improve waste service delivery, align with national waste management objectives, and foster sustainable practices.

Key Activities:

• Analyzed institutional and regulatory waste management needs.

• Provided comprehensive waste treatment schemes and financial planning.

Impact: Established sustainable waste service frameworks for four municipalities.

11. Feasibility Study for Regional Landfill in Mirash - Obiliq

• Client: Ministry of Environment, Kosovo

• Location: Kosovo

• Project Value: EUR

• Duration: December 2022 - October 2023

Objective: Provide a feasibility study with options for the rehabilitation and future management of the regional landfill in Mirash. The goal is to explore sustainable options for landfill closure or operational enhancements, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and fostering efficient, long-term waste processing.

Key Activities:

• Conducted feasibility analyses and procurement documentation.

• Proposed operational plans for landfill sustainability.

Impact: Supported informed decision-making on waste management for Prishtina region.

12. Mitrovica Wastewater Development Project

• Client: Regional Water Company Mitrovica, funded by EBRD

• Location: Kosovo

• Project Value: EUR

• Duration: April 2023 – ongoing

Objective: Design and implement critical wastewater infrastructure, including sewerage networks and a wastewater treatment plant for the Mitrovica region. The objective is to address local sanitation challenges, improve public health, and reduce environmental contamination, benefitting an estimated population of over 120,000 people.

Key Activities:

• Supported project implementation, procurement, and compliance.

• Designed sewerage networks and treatment facilities.

Impact: Improved sanitation and environmental health for Mitrovica’s population.

13. Strategic Environmental Assessments of IIWMPs

• Client: GIZ

• Location: Kosovo

• Project Value: EUR 

• Duration: July 2024 – ongoing

Objective: Conduct Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) for Intermunicipal Integrated Waste Management Plans (IIWMPs) in Kosovo, supporting the transition to sustainable waste management systems. This project’s objective is to integrate environmental considerations into waste management decision-making, align practices with EU directives, and engage stakeholders in a transparent planning process that promotes circular economy principles.

Key Activities:

• Conducted environmental assessments and stakeholder consultations.

• Drafted SEAs for improved waste management planning.

Impact: Integrated environmental considerations into municipal waste management strategies.

14. C&D Waste Analysis in Kosovo

• Client: GIZ

• Location: Kosovo

• Project Value: 

• Duration: August 2024 – ongoing

Objective: Provide a detailed analysis of construction and demolition (C&D) waste management practices in Kosovo, with recommendations for implementing circular economy strategies. The project’s goal is to identify key areas where C&D waste management can be improved, reduce environmental impact, and provide strategic guidance based on successful international practices in post-disaster and post-conflict regions, including Turkey and Albania. This initiative aims to make C&D waste management more efficient, while creating a model that could be applied in other postwar countries, such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria.

Key Activities:

• Assessed unregulated landfills and environmental impacts.

• Developed strategic recommendations based on international best practices.

Impact: Enhanced C&D waste management strategies applicable to Kosovo and other post-conflict regions.

15. Green and Sustainable Municipalities Project (Kosovo4Green)

• Client: GIZ

• Location: Kosovo

• Project Value: 

• Duration: September 2024 – December 2024

Objective: Support Kosovo municipalities in adopting intermunicipal cooperation frameworks and circular economy principles to transform waste management practices. This project’s goal is to align municipal waste management operations with EU standards through the implementation of Intermunicipal Integrated Waste Management Plans (IIWMPs) in regions like Mitrovica South and Gjilan/Ferizaj. Key objectives include modernizing waste infrastructure, promoting recycling initiatives, and establishing sustainable waste reduction strategies that meet national targets. Through this project, ESS LLC aims to foster sustainable, collaborative waste management solutions that encourage active municipal and community involvement in environmental stewardship.

Key Activities:

• Developed intermunicipal agreements for waste management.

• Provided guidance on SaS initiatives and public service contracts.

Impact: Advanced waste management practices to align with EU recycling and sustainability targets.

This comprehensive project portfolio demonstrates ESS LLC’s commitment to sustainable solutions and environmental resilience across the Balkans. Reach out for collaboration at info@essexperts.com.